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Gangs of up to 40 youths are causing mayhem in Heanor by shouting, swearing and throwing objects at homes and cars and assaulting people.

Police in Heanor have sent a letter to parents to say the behaviour in the town is "causing distress" to residents and have warned them to make sure they know where their children are when they leave the family home.

Steve Huntington, principal of Heanor Gate Science College, said he was "acutely aware" of anti-social behaviour issues in the town and said he thought the behaviour affected a "very small number" of students who attend the school.

The letter, which has been sent by the Heanor Safer Neighbourhood Team, reads: "In recent weeks we've seen an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour by groups of young people aged between 11-18 years gathering in groups of 20-40 in certain areas of Heanor.

"The areas highlighted as a concern are the Market Place, the Memorial Park and surrounding streets. The anti-social behaviour reported to us includes shouting, swearing, throwing objects at properties, vehicles and members of the public, inconsiderate riding of push bikes on the pavements and roads. This behaviour is causing distress to local residents.

"There have been reports of assaults and criminal damage within the area which all coincide with the increase in reports of anti-social behaviour. In the coming weeks we will be working closely with our partners in the parish and borough council to help tackle these issues. We will be increasing our presence in the areas highlighted above and dealing appropriately with any offences or anti-social behaviour we encounter."

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It said all parents and carers of Heanor Gate Science College have received letters highlighting the concerns.

It added: "We ask you to be sure you know where your child is and what they are doing when they leave the family home."

In response, Mr Huntington, said a meeting was being held later this week at the school to discuss the problems. He said: "As principal I am acutely aware of the current issues regarding anti-social behaviour in and around the Heanor area. Despite being a specialist leader in education (SLE) for behaviour I cannot control the actions of any students outside of the school or school hours, but feel we have a collective moral duty to influence that behaviour.

"As a result we have been proactive in working with outside agencies, including the neighbourhood safety partnership, local police and the council; which has resulted in the letter from PCSO Jenny Lorimer and a multi-agency meeting which will be held at the school on Thursday afternoon.

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"Despite the large numbers being quoted, this affects a very small number of students who actually attend Heanor Gate Science College. However, hopefully our actions will influence a much wider audience in the local area.

"It is very disappointing that these recent and isolated incidents could be misinterpreted as a representation of both the students and standards at Heanor Gate Science College, where behaviour and social conduct is very strong and is the antithesis of current events which have occurred in our community over recent weeks."